Lymphatic Therapy, also called Manual Lymph Drainage or Lymphatic Drainage Therapy, is frequently recommended by plastic surgeons during the recovery phase following cosmetic surgery. All cosmetic surgeries produce swelling to some extent, as edema is part of the body’s normal healing process. This specialized form of massage decreases recovery time and improves results, by reducing post-surgical swelling and scar tissue formation.
Arnica Allay™ for bruising and Self Heal Creme™ for inflammation
Why do I need Lymphatic Therapy before and after my liposuction or cosmetic surgery?
Before
Receiving Lymphatic Therapy prior to a surgery, helps to prepare the area of the body about to undergo an operation as it increases localized circulation of fresh blood (containing nutrients necessary for tissue healing) and supports and stimulates the lymphatic system in flushing unwanted cellular waste and excess fluid from the spaces between your cells; essentially cleaning the tissues.
After
Post-surgical changes are caused by inflammation and trauma from the instruments moving under the skin. Frequently after liposuction, hardness or lumpiness can result in the areas where fat was removed, channels are formed and can fill up with fluid and the tissue also becomes swollen. Lymphatic Therapy helps to move the fluid gently back into the lymph vessels. In turn, reducing swelling can reduce discomfort and pain.
Does Lymphatic Therapy improve bruising after liposuction or cosmetic surgery?
Yes Lymphatic Therapy does reduce bruising after liposuction or cosmetic surgery.
Is Lymphatic Therapy painful?
No, Lymphatic Therapy is not painful. In fact lymphatic therapy is very relaxing and comfortable. It is generally a light pressure that is repetitive and comforting.
What is the treatment like?
Lymphatic Therapy is very relaxing.Many clients fall asleep. Gentle, gliding, compressing, stretching, rotating motions with the therapist’s hands and fingertips begin at the collarbone area, and then focus on areas where there is a concentration of lymph nodes, the underarms, abdomen, groin, and back of the knees. Usually the session is performed with you lying down, although sometimes we will work on you standing up or sitting down.
How many treatments will I need?
Everyone heals differently. Typically most patients will need 5 to 10 sessions.
What type of pressure is used in Lymphatic Therapy?
The pressure used in Lymphatic Therapy is light to effectively stimulate the lymphatic structures located right under the skin (subcutaneous tissue). Stretching, pumping and cupping the skin, is sufficient to activate the subcutaneous tissue against the fascia without manipulating the muscle tissue in the area. The pressure used in Lymphatic Therapy is also determined by the quality of the tissue we are working on. If the tissue is hard and fibrotic we work more deeply to soften the hard tissue and make it pliable releasing particles and fluids that then the lymphatic system can pick up
Is lymphatic massage and deep massage the same thing?
No it is not the same. Deep tissue massage massage involves applying sustained firm pressure and slow deep strokes to reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles). The focus is often on muscles, tendon and ligaments.
How soon after my procedure can the treatment begin?
Always consult with your doctor; he or she will let you know how soon you can start Manual Lymphatic Therapy after your surgical procedure.
